Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Nov 29, 2016 21:58:56 GMT -8
Flipping through the pages of the book before him, the Archduke seemed to nod slightly as Catalina stated her reason for coming to the library. In truth, although he hadn’t known he would meet her here, he had been hoping she might wander to his library. After all, he did wish to have a private chat with her, although his current features masked this desire.
“Although I do have gardens, they are on the lower levels of the fortress, and it would have been a bit too far for an early morning stroll. I don’t think you’d want to visit them in this weather, though.”
Thunder boomed loudly as if to reinforce the Archduke’s point.
“They aren’t particularly common around here, but when we do get them, our storms are rather fierce. Hopefully the town won’t suffer too much damage from this one.”
The Archduke could sense the hesitancy coming from Lady Catalina. He was unsure what he had done to make her feel so around him. Perhaps it was intuition. At the same time, she wasn’t meek acting, no, she seemed interested in discovering and learning things. That was what had brought her to explore his home and end up in the Library in the first place. After a few moments of silence, it seemed the curious side of Lady Catalina won out because she inquired into the state of his books.
“Ah, yes, all these books are relatively new. You see, my family possesses the originals, but treasure them quite deeply. If anything like a fire or theft was to happen, I would lose a great treasure of the Steitz family. That is why around a hundred years ago or so my family hired a number of scribes to copy the contents of our library into new books. The old ones are safely in storage and the new copies are on display here. The process of having the originals copied isn’t even complete yet, I suspect it will take another century or so before it’s complete…”
Looking back down at his book, the Archduke flipped a page, a smile appearing on his face at the contents of the page he had turned to. Rising from his chair, he began slowly pacing around the table, hands steepled before him as he paced.
“Since we are in private, Lady Catalina, I have a question for you. I suspect if your brother was here I wouldn’t get a proper answer out of you, but perhaps since he’s not… What is your opinion of the new Emperor?”
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 13:57:07 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2016 22:08:48 GMT -8
"I don't mind thunderstorms," Catalina informed him before she turned away from the third floor bannister and made her way to the staircase that led to the second floor. She could hear him speaking as she moved, her wine-hued gown flowing after her, its wide neckline kissing the tips of her shoulders and leaving her slender collar bones naked to the eye. She didn't wear any jewelry save for a very thin golden chain that came together in a narrow v between her breasts. It's pendant must have been tucked deeper down.
She moved toward the second floor railing so that when she looked down at Isenbardus, she was not so far away. Leaning over, she braced her elbows on the railing and let her hazel eyes wander his face.
"By brother already knows that I find him unsatisfactory," she said evenly. "My brother disagrees." She looked at him for a moment. "Where are the scribes?"
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Nov 29, 2016 22:46:21 GMT -8
As she spoke, the Archduke would stop pacing for moment, directing his gaze on her as she spoke. It was the look one would give to an intricate puzzle that they were just on the cusp of solving. Catalina had stated she found the Emperor unsatisfactory, something said by only the boldest of women. Yes, the Archduke certainly liked the fact Catalina was willing to speak her mind.
“I must ask then, what about the Emperor did you find unsatisfactory? In the ceremony, he seemed like quite a suitable one in both his appearance and rhetoric. Is there something you know about him that I don’t, Lady Catalina? Oh, the scribes live on the second level of the fortress. It takes them quite a long time to copy so many texts, so I give them free lodgings in addition to a small stipend.”
Moving over to a cabinet, the Archduke pulled out a bottle of something and two rather plain looking mugs. Although due to the angle she most likely wouldn’t notice, the Isenbardus has passed over several more ornate goblets when he selected the mugs.
“Please, come have a bit of a drink with me, I insist Lady Catalina. This wine here is some of the best in all of Vessia. Although I’m not a fan of drinking in the morning, just a bit won’t do any harm.”
Without waiting for a response, the Archduke would pour some of the wine into each mug. He then looked up, fixing Catalina with a piercing gaze. It was quite clear by the look he gave her, he intended her to have a bit of a drink with him.
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Deleted
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Registered: May 8, 2024 13:57:07 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2016 22:57:32 GMT -8
"What he did to the witch was cruel," Catalina answered, walking in the direction of the staircase that led to the second level while still staying near to the balustrade that allowed her to look down at the richly dressed Archduke. She knew that she was speaking too freely, so she better explained herself. "If we seek to be above that which we would see burn, then we should be above it and not descend to their levels. By example he shows an unnecessary provocation toward violence. I fear the war in Swavia is more of vengeance than logic, and will lead to many men losing their lives to sate his bloodthirst."
As she spoke now, she did descend the staircase, her plain but well made skirt swaying around her legs, slippers visible as she took the steps down to the same level as he. She was curious on why his back was turned. "There could be a fair chance that I am wrong," Catalina continued as she decreased the distance between them. "I hope for it, in fact."
And then she tasted it. She smelled it. The tang of Iron. When he turned, it made her pause on a sudden dime, going very still, her hazel eyes fleeing up to his face where he watched her like a fox would a rabbit.
"I'm afraid I cannot, Your Grace," she said and put a hand to her stomach, taking a single step back. "My head still aches from so much wine at the feast." There. Plausible enough. Thunder boomed, and she looked toward one of the windows where the skies outside were black as night with roiling clouds.
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Nov 29, 2016 23:18:23 GMT -8
“It was a rather painful death that the witch died, death by a thousand cuts taken quite literally. Although your statement does hold some logic in it, the thirst for vengeance is quite strong in many of the soldiers and nobility who have lost their family to the heathens. Sadly logic isn’t always the strongest motivator in situations like these. I think the Emperor is intentionally harnessing the passion of those around him to gain their loyalty. It may backfire, but I feel it is potentially a shrewd move.”
The Archduke watched her very closely and her instinctive step back wasn’t missed by his perceptive gaze. He would feel his smile widening, for it seemed the hunch he had was looking to be proven correct. His wide smile would vanish within the duration of the thunder as it boomed, being replaced by a more neutral expression.
“A shame that you can’t try this wondrous wine, but I understand if you aren’t feeling up to it Lady Catalina. Last night was surely exhausting for you after all that dancing. You know, I’ve been to many courts throughout Vessia, but the dancing you did last night… It was absolutely enchanting. You certainly possess something special, Lady Catalina. Certain things can be learned, but you possess an innate talent I feel.”
Raising the plain, iron cup to his lips, the Archduke takes a sip of the liquid within.
“I feel like your brother doesn’t quite fully comprehend your talents…”
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 13:57:07 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2016 19:43:35 GMT -8
It hadn't occurred to her that the Emperor might have been making moves to intentionally spark others; Catalina's mind was not devious in the same way, and it caused her a moment to pause and blink. "Oh. Perhaps you're right," she said and frowned a bit to herself in thought, wondering if another Purge was going to sweep the Empire.
He offered the wine and it made her stomach flip-flop as she declined, and her long-lashed eyes flickered back up to his handsome and smiling face. Immediately, she felt wrong and trapped. Catalina didn't think that he knew of her secret, but she thought that he was making a romantic move. No, romantic was incorrect because there was nothing romantic about the way he spoke to her about her dancing -- enchanting. It was pretty words she'd heard him use before, and she had no idea that he was connecting any dots.
He spoke of her talents, and it made her flush with anger and also terror.
"I do not think my brother is alone in that," she answered the Archduke, edging away from him still. "Most men don't fully comprehend the talents of their sisters."
Thunder crashed again, and it made her heart leap.
"Thank you for allowing me to explore your library, Your Grace," she said to him. "I should be returning to my brother," Catalina further said in an effort to rush an escape, and with a bit of courage, moved to brush past him and toward the door they had both entered on hurried steps.
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Nov 30, 2016 20:04:25 GMT -8
Realizing Catalina had missed what he had been trying to hint at, the Archduke couldn’t help but begin to laugh. Lady Catalina would most likely find it quite odd as she began to walk out the exit that the Archduke was laughing uncontrollably, enough to cause him to have to gasp for breath a bit. He clearly found what she said genuinely amusing to him, this was no ploy by him.
“Forgive me, Lady Catalina, but what you’ve inferred from what I just told you… Oh my, it’s just too perfect. To think I would be making advances upon a lady of your level in my library no less, the very thought is just so absurd! No offense intended to you, Lady Catalina, but I wouldn’t want you to think I was so controlled by sexual urges.”
A more serious expression would now appear on his face as he turned to face her. Although he wouldn’t tower over her like the Emperor, he was still significantly taller than her and she would have to look up to see his face.
“It seems I should have been a bit more direct about what I meant, Lady Catalina… Perhaps this book will enlighten you. I think you’ll find the seventh chapter quite interesting.”
Reaching to the table beside him, the Archduke takes the book he had been reading and proffers it to Catalina. There is no name on the cover, but it is quite thick. Should Lady Catalina open the book to chapter seven, she will find it titled, “A History of The Fae”.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 13:57:07 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2016 20:53:30 GMT -8
She stopped on a dime as rich laughter began to pour from the Archduke, amusement at her expense. She turned slightly to regard him, a look of confusion in her eyes. Was he mad? Truly mad? Catalina very much appeared like an unsure doe, all large eyes and hesitant body language that wasn't sure if she should keep running or stay put.
She had no idea what to say when he finally told her what had amused him so, and felt strangely insulted that she wasn't good enough for him because of her rank. Catalina was fairly sure she didn't want the Archduke's sexual attention anyway, but the elitist slight just seemed to add more insult to injury.
When he finally did round on her, she tipped her face back to look up at him and once again felt that cold shiver up her spine. She reached out to take up the book and her heart dropped to her stomach when she read the title. She swallowed and took a moment to steady herself, before she handed the book back to the Archduke.
"I'm sorry, Your Grace, you give me more credit than I deserve," she said, her voice a little breathy as she tried to play stupid. "I'm not sure that I understand fully what you mean."
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Nov 30, 2016 21:12:31 GMT -8
“Feigning ignorance really doesn’t suit you well, Lady Catalina. You’re far too intelligent to not know what I’m getting at here. I didn’t want it to come to this, but your continued denial has forced my hand.”
Moving his right hand behind her in a swift motion, the Archduke grasped Catalina in a firm hold. Due to holding her around the waist with his single arm, it was unlikely to leave any significant bruising. At the same time, as he made the motion with his right arm, his left arm moved to grasp the iron mug, now emptied of wine. He immediately brought just a corner of one of the handles to near the base of Catalina’s neck.
The Archduke didn’t want to leave any serious signs and there was quite careful as he touched it to her skin. Only a small corner of the iron was exposed and it would only touch her skin for the briefest of moments before being quickly withdrawn and placed on the table. Eyes narrowing, the Archduke watched to see what the effects of this would be.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 13:57:07 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2016 21:21:40 GMT -8
"No!" Catalina cried as his arm snatched her up and brought her close, anchoring her against him with an arm around her svelte waist. The book dropped unceremoniously to the floor as her hands splayed against hist chest, panic filling her pretty hazel eyes. She meant to shove -- but he was quick, and she was too late.
A soft scream of pain scalded her tongue, misery flashing across her face as the skin where the iron touched at the base of her beautiful neck bubbled in a third degree burn. She shoved hard at his chest then to free herself from his grasp and stumbled away, reaching out to catch onto the ornate back of a chair as her other hand fled up to her wounded neck.
Her breathing was already labored, and her grip on the chair was white-knuckled as panic made her stomach twist until she thought she might be sick. Pain was also still throbbing through her body, and she was shaking -- from fear and from fury, her back to the Archduke.
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Nov 30, 2016 21:55:18 GMT -8
The Archduke made no attempt to keep holding onto Lady Catalina as she pushed away from him with a scream. He let out an almost bored sounding sigh as she stumbled over to a chair, clearly in great pain. If only she had confessed, although he did admit it was slightly amusing when even cornered and with no hope of escaping, his prey would deny the truth. He could almost taste her rage and fear as she breathed in and out heavily.
She was most likely now considering her options. Perhaps she thought he would turn her in and was wondering how she could kill him. It was a logical thought, nearly any other person who learned such a secret would turn her in, save perhaps family or close friends. The fear of magic ran deep in Vessia.
Pacing across the room, the Archduke positioned himself in front of the door, reaching back with one hand and turning the lock. He wasn’t finished with her yet, but she was most certainly in fight or flight mode. Would she calm herself down, or would she lash out at him?
“I didn’t want to do that, Lady Catalina, but you left me no choice in the face of multiple denials.”
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 13:57:07 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2016 22:01:52 GMT -8
She heard the lock tumble in the door and her shoulders stiffened. Her mind couldn't even fathom what he would do to her now, what threats he would make. Her mind flashed toward Ruther -- poor Ruther. He had done so much for House Berengar, and now it was going to be taken down... down...
Unless.
She was not full blooded Fae, but the line of her fore-mothers ran strong in her veins. Most of the faeblessed humans needed conduits to do spells that the fae could do naturally with a simple wave of their hand... like, for instance, erasing the memories of those nearby. A mind needed to be baptized, so she would need a liquid...
Her gaze fell on the wine as he spoke at her back, and she dropped her hands to reach for the decanter. Fae Speech fell from her lips in a passionate burst as she turned and THREW the wine into the Archduke's face, needing it to coat his flesh in order for the spell to work.
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Nov 30, 2016 22:29:03 GMT -8
Isenbardus’s eyes widened as he saw what Catalina intended to do. Although he couldn’t be certain what spell she intended to cast on him, he could be certain it wasn’t something he wanted to be hit by. Although in truth, he was casting a spell for antimagic, he raised his hand, which possessed a gold ring on it. He would prefer for her to think it an artifact, as that was more typical.
The liquid would hit him squarely in the face, covering part of his cloak as well. Letting out a rather irritated sounding sigh, the Archduke lowered his hand, reaching into his pocket for a handkerchief. He would wipe his face clean of the wine with it, while staring at Catalina like he would at a misbehaving pet. It would be fairly clear to Catalina that the Archduke had used antimagic, for he seemed completely unaffected.
“Now, now, Lady Catalina. Although I do understand you are in a state of shock, I suggest you calm yourself. Attempting to cast a spell like that is a bit hasty, wouldn’t you agree? Let me be clear, if I intended to report you to the Inquisition or Witch Hunters, I wouldn’t have just gone through this whole charade. Before we continue, I must ask that you heal your burn, you do know how to do that, no?”
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 13:57:07 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2016 22:35:36 GMT -8
She stuttered over herself.
"-- How? How did you--" she caught sight of the glitter of his ring as he wiped his face of the wine she'd just thrown into it. It hadn't worked. Yet, she still felt a small sliver of satisfaction that he was covered in wine.
Catalina backed away from him, however, her head shaking from side to side. "No. No, this can't be happening," she stated and she turned away from him again, looking for another exit. She wasn't prepared to have this conversation -- not with him. She still had admitted nothing verbally yet; she could easily say that the Fae Speech was something he misheard.
A burn on her neck, that could be just... an allergy. She wasn't prepared to give in and was, instead, fully prepared to find another way out of this library. Heart still beating hard beneath her breast, she held her skirts with one hand as the other slipped up the balustrade, keeping in time with her hasty steps as she sought the second floor for another door.
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Nov 30, 2016 23:08:07 GMT -8
Letting out yet another sigh, Isenbardus moved forward, although not before pulling the key out of the locked door behind him. He followed after her, moving at a lazy pace as she attempted to put more distance between them. Calling out to her, he spoke in a matter of fact voice.
“You won’t find any exits on the other floors Lady Catalina. Deny it all you want, but the evidence speaks for itself. You have Fai blood running through your veins. You were burnt by iron and attempted to cast a spell on me. One of those is perfectly provable at any time and most likely will result in your doing the second one by your own volition.”
Leaning over, the Archduke picked up the book Catalina had dropped from the floor. Closing it, he placed it back on the table, studying Catalina who was now on the second floor.
“I think you would be surprised by how many people in Vessia hold secrets not unlike yourself. They always deny it when confronted and seem unable to react when it’s discovered. Not that I can blame you, you’ve hidden your heritage well. Only a student of history and lore such as myself would notice and I only realized when you were dancing.”
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 13:57:07 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2016 23:23:41 GMT -8
He could see her for a moment while she was near the railing, but she quickly moved back and away. She was trembling with shock -- with anger, with fear, with surprise... and out of Isenbardus' view, she slowly sank into one of the seats and put a hand over her mouth. Tears burned in her eyes.
She'd been discovered. And so quickly. Grandmama had not even been gone for so long. What would Ruther do? She didn't answer the Archduke when he spoke. Instead, she held her breath and tried to get control of herself. The panic that she wanted to give in to, the tears and the fright -- it wouldn't do anything for her.
She lowered her head, her dark hair swinging forward to curtain her face as her hands fisted in the skirt of her plain if well-made courtier's gown. Isenbardus was still speaking, his voice like smooth whisky, and he revealed that he knew because she'd danced.
But how? What was it that gave it away? She'd not been aware of putting out any spells. Catalina leaned forward and put her head in her hands, her elbows balanced on her knees. What was she going to do?
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Dec 1, 2016 10:26:58 GMT -8
He moved forward towards the stairs at a slow pace, but one that spoke of something inevitable. Isenbardus remained silent as he ascended the stairs, finally coming into view for Catalina once more. For a good minute or so, the Archduke simply gazed at her from the stairs, making no attempt to move closer to her for the moment. She was certainly a pitiful looking sight.
“I ask you once more, Lady Catalina, calm yourself. If not for your own sake, then for your brothers. Unlike what the Church might have you believe, being discovered as a magic user doesn’t necessarily destroy one's life.”
Pausing for a second, he would let his words sink in before his next declaration.
“Not if you obey me.”
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 8, 2024 13:57:07 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2016 18:29:50 GMT -8
She was still as she heard him approach on the stairs. Even the knowledge that he was wine-soaked didn't seem to give her that small sliver of comfort that it once had. Her dark hair hid what her hands upon her face did not, obscuring her gaze and expression from his view.
She looked entirely pitiful-- and defeated. Her mind didn't even know where to run next.
His final words, however, had her looking up -- quickly, a snap of her attention and a narrowing of her beautiful spring-green eyes. They were glossy with her tears, and a few tracks of her tears were down her face. This was a life-changing moment, after all.
"Obey you?" she asked, her palms turning on her knees, clutching into the fabric. "What do you mean, obey you?" She wasn't going to make any brash statements about preferring to die versus whatever he demanded -- she wasn't a fool. Given the power he now held over her, she was marginally sure that by survival instinct alone, she would do what he asked.
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Emperor Rexus Aleksander
Committed
Kaiser, Tsar, Imperator; Lord of Mankind
Roleplay posts: 79
Age: Much older than he looks.
Physical Description: A throwback to the Emperor's of old, he is extremely tall at 7'5, very muscular and generally bulky. He has has short and very neat blond hair and baby blue eyes. Powerful regal features are upon his face along with a small scar on his forehead. When extremely tired or irritated he will begin to show some wrinkles of someone much older than he would appear at first glance.
Clothes and Equipment: A massive suit of five-piece armour and a large Xiphos sword both of which are beautiful and deadly in equal measure.
Registered: Nov 22, 2016 5:22:53 GMT -8
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Post by Emperor Rexus Aleksander on Dec 1, 2016 18:42:50 GMT -8
The Emperor rode to Steitz on a massive white warhorse rather than his usual black coach. The visit with the Archduke was going to be... interesting. He waited outside of the gates.
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Archduke Isenbardus
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 104
Age: 28
Physical Description: Extremely pale, white skin. His features appear to almost be chiseled by a master craftsman, no blemishes marring his face. He has long black hair that cascades across his shoulders and down his back. His eyes are piercing and bright blue in color. The eyes seem to belong to someone much older. He stands about 6'4 in height.
Clothes and Equipment: A black shirt and black pants of a fine silk, although he normally wears something over these. Typically a grayish colored leather robe that goes from his neck all the way down to his feet. The inside of it is lined with animal fur. Over this, he will wear a great cloak of various animal furs that also has a few clear colored gems hanging from the front of it near the top. He carries around a tall staff made of a silvery colored metal that is tipped with a large black diamond. It is said to have been the most valuable stone ever found by the House of Steitz mining operation and as such, the staff has been passed down for generations.
Registered: Nov 24, 2016 15:23:54 GMT -8
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Post by Archduke Isenbardus on Dec 1, 2016 19:13:58 GMT -8
Although his face remained neutral, the Archduke felt like grinning slightly as Lady Catalina finally questioned what he wanted from her. Good, she was beginning to accept her new fate. Very few of those he captured had refused to serve him and it seemed Catalina wouldn’t be one of the exceptions.
“Let me tell you something, Lady Catalina. As you know, the Church has preached for centuries against those who possess magic. Only mages from a very specific bloodline and the clergy are allowed to practice magic without fear of death, and even they rarely use it where the public can see. Unlike the majority of the Empire, I don’t see magic users like yourself as a blight. I see them as a resource to be used.”
Leaning on the railing behind him, the Archduke took a moment to try and wipe off some of the wine on his cloak, although it wasn’t a very successful attempt.
“If I was to take a guess, you possess a number of abilities. I also suspect your brother hasn’t necessarily been so successful just because of his hard work.”
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